2019 Suzuki Jimny Is The Cutest Overlander Ever

Compact car specialists Suzuki have finally revealed their new-generation Jimny compact SUV, after an interminably long wait and a slew of spy shots. While perhaps not as ubiquitous in off-roading circles as the Jeep Wrangler of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Jimny’s been around for decades and has earned a reputation for offering capabilities far beyond what’s suggested by its compact dimensions. This is a small car with big-car vim, especially over the rough stuff.

The details offered up by Suzuki tell of two variants, namely the standard Jimny and the Jimny Sierra, for the Japanese market. It’s the Sierra that ought to get your attention though, as the standard Jimny with its pared-down bumpers and lack of wheel arch extensions suggest a strict compliance to Japanese compact-car legislation (enabling a lower tax band, among others), so we’ll focus on that.

Despite the diminutive exterior, the Jimny remains a very capable overlander. A ladder frame hides beneath the boxy exterior, and all models come with all-wheel drive. There’s a tri-link rigid axle suspension system as well as a low-range gearbox, should you remain sceptical.The Jimny Sierra offers motivation from a 1.5-litre petrol mill, mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.

The Jimny is expected to be offered in international markets with different powertrain options, with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol mill and a 6-speed automatic mooted.

Standard equipment is pretty generous too, even though the Jimny is not expected to cost an arm and a leg. LED headlights, 16-inch allow heels, keyless entry & go, cruise control, air-conditioning, and autonomous emergency braking are all lobbed on, making it quite the compelling little car. The cabin also gains some modern niceties, befitting a car for the 2019 model-year, with kit like a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto), a multifunction steering wheel, and selectable all-wheel drive.

While there’s no doubting that the Jimny is a cool little thing, it’s rather unfortunate that it hasn’t yet been confirmed for Australia. SUVs may be all the rage presently, but it seems that Suzuki isn’t entirely convinced that the Jimny will sell in strong enough numbers to justify its offering down under. Hopefully that’ll change sooner rather than later though, as the Jimny’s all-wheel drive capabilities make it one of the most impressive small off-roaders money can buy.